TED Talks Daily Why are we sending critical metals to the dump? | Jeff More
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Apr 9, 2025 
Mining expert Jeff More dives into the looming copper shortage that threatens the clean energy transition. He discusses the environmental toll of traditional mining practices and the urgent need for sustainable methods. Advanced sensing technology emerges as a game changer, drastically reducing wasted materials while meeting the skyrocketing demand for essential metals. More emphasizes how innovation within the mining industry is crucial for a sustainable future, making his insights both timely and thought-provoking.
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Copper's Critical Role
- Copper is essential for critical technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy.
- Growing demand for copper is outpacing current production, creating a potential shortage.
Mining Waste
- Traditional mining is very wasteful, with over half of mined material ending up in waste dumps.
- This waste contains valuable copper that could be recovered.
ShovelSense Development Challenges
- Jeff More's team faced challenges developing ShovelSense due to the lack of existing specifications.
- Their initial hardware, designed to military specifications, failed quickly in the harsh mining environment.